The Department of Mass Communication, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), in collaboration with the DSE Foundation, has announced the inaugural Lateef Jakande Memorial Media Roundtable, a landmark event dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the legendary Nigerian journalist, media icon, and first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
 
The event will take place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Ikorodu Campus of LASUSTECH, at 10:00 am.
 
According to a statement on Friday by the Local Organising Committee (LOC)-Media Sub-Committee signed by Olatayo Agogo, the event, with the theme, ‘Journalism in Digital Age: Lessons from Jakande’s Legacy’, aims to honour Jakande’s monumental contributions to journalism, governance, and societal development while fostering meaningful discussions on the future of the media industry in Nigeria.
 
The statement added that the roundtable will feature industry experts, including Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, former Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard Newspapers and Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), renowned for his leadership in advancing journalistic standards; Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, a veteran journalist and media consultant known for his advocacy for ethical journalism and media innovation; and Mr. Monzor Olowosago, a respected media practitioner with decades of experience in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape.
 
Others include Mr. Taiwo Obe, CEO, Journalism Clinic and Mrs. Adesola Kosoko, General Manager, Lagos Television (LTV).
 
The event will be chaired by Chief Tunde Fanimokun, a prominent Nigerian civil servant and philanthropist who served as the Permanent Secretary in Lagos State during the Jakande administration.
 
The organisers stressed that the event will provide a platform for robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking among media professionals, academics, students, and stakeholders.
 
“Topics will focus on Jakande’s enduring influence on journalism, the evolving role of the media in a digital age, and strategies for sustaining ethical and impactful reporting in Nigeria,” the statement added.
 
It quoted the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Oluwole Alabi, as describing the event as not just a tribute but a call to action for media practitioners and scholars to uphold the values of integrity, excellence and public service that Jakande exemplified.
 
“We are immensely proud to host the maiden Lateef Jakande Memorial Media Roundtable, an event that celebrates the extraordinary legacy of a visionary who transformed journalism and governance in Nigeria. This roundtable is not just a tribute but also a call to action for media practitioners and scholars to uphold the values of integrity, excellence, and public service that Alhaji Jakande exemplified,” he said in the statement.
 
The statement also quoted the Head of the Department, Dr Steven Anu’ Adesemoye, as reiterating the commitment of the department to advancing the ideals of impactful journalism and media education.
 
“The LKJ Media Roundtable is a testament to our department’s commitment to advancing the ideals of impactful journalism and media education. Alhaji Jakande’s legacy inspires us to train media professionals who are ethical, innovative, and dedicated to public good. We are excited to host this historic event and look forward to engaging discussions that will shape the future of our industry,” Adesemoye said.